cover image Stories for the Christian Year

Stories for the Christian Year

Chrysostom Society. MacMillan Publishing Company, $16 (214pp) ISBN 978-0-02-525430-5

Like the popular Viking books Congregation and Incarnation, in which writers known for their secular achievements discussed the Bible, this volume by the Chrysostom Society (``a random group of Christian writers who gather once a year to discuss their craft'') gives similar treatment to the seasons and holy days of the Christian year. The contributions range from fiction and poetry to meditations and childhood recollections. Among the more notable: novelist Madeleine L'Engle offers a poignant short story about the Transfiguration; Walter Wangerin Jr. ( Mourning into Dancing ) discusses the possibilities and hope contained in the archangel Gabriel's annunciation to Mary of the impending birth of Jesus; Nebraska pastor Calvin Miller personalizes Pentecost with his reflections on how he was affected by the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; English mystery writer Alice Slaikeu Lawhead describes the difficulties of getting into the Yuletide spirt amid the bustle of seasonal activities; and Robert Siegel interprets Palm Sunday in poetry. Some of the writers' fiercely traditional views may give offense, and Luci Shaw's very personal view of how God works in the world may strike some readers as naive and dated. Discerning readers will take away what is of use to them from this mixed bag and leave the rest. Peterson provides a brief, interesting introduction. (Nov.)